Growing up in Los Angeles was an interesting

Growing up in Los Angeles was interesting to say the least. I remember the fun of family and friends going and coming everyday of the week. However, it was my grandfather, Amel, who constantly encouraged me to continue education. Though he only completed the 9th grade he made the importance of education relevant to me. We would sit in the living room with a t.v. tray and drink coffee; however, mines was mostly milk and sugar, and he would ask me questions about my life goals and where I wanted to attend college. I would respond by saying I want to become a teacher, and he would smile and gently nod his head in agreement. He would tell me that I was one of the smartest people that he knew. I would smile and it was during one of these conversations that I decided to seriously pursue education as a profession.